Weapon rest

ABSTRACT

A weapon rest for supporting a weapon. The weapon rest has an improved lock or jaw clamp for locking a vertical column support in a predetermined position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to weapon rests and, more particularly, to weaponrests having at least one support and improved means and apparatus forlocking the at least one support in a predetermined position.

2. Description of the Related Art

A weapon rest is a device which facilitates the use of a weapon, such asa hand gun, rifle, crossbow and the like. The weapon rest typicallyprovides a stable surface for supporting the weapon during targetpractice, marksmanship competition, hunting, cleaning of the weapon andthe like.

Various types of weapon rests have been used in the past and provideddifferent means for supporting the weapon. For example, U.S. Pat. No.5,600,913 illustrates a pistol rest that provided a two-piece adjustablemolded plastic rest that had a fork member to be retained within a basemember and the fork member and base member had means for raising andlowering the rest portion of the device.

Several prior art rifle rests had an adjustable support that raised andlowered in a generally cylindrical column. A threaded screw was threadedthrough the column and its end would engage the support to hold it inplace. One problem with this design of the past is that an end of thescrew engaged the support column with point contact force that was notdistributed. Sometimes the end of the screw would puncture the wall ofthe support column if it was screwed too tight. Also, the point contactof the end of the screw against the support did not always provide thenecessary locking force to prevent vertical movement of the supportcolumn, especially during cleaning of a rifle or during shooting.

What is needed, therefore, is an improved system for locking the weaponsupport in a predetermined position in the weapon rest.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object to provide an improved weapon rest.

Another object of the invention is to provide a weapon rest that has animproved locking of the weapon support.

Another object is to provide a weapon rest in the form of a gun restthat utilizes a jaw clamp for locking at least one support in apredetermined position;

Still another object is a weapon rest that provides an elongated jawclamp that distributes a locking force across an adjustable support,including but not limited to, an adjustable support having a pluralityof threads of an adjustable support.

In one aspect, one embodiment comprises a weapon rest for supporting aweapon, comprising a base, at least one support slidably mounted on thebase, the at least one support having a weapon rest for supporting aweapon above the base and a jaw clamp for engaging the at least onesupport and for locking it into a predetermined position.

In another aspect, another embodiment comprises a weapon supportcomprising a base having an internal wall for defining an aperture, aweapon support slidably received in the aperture and a lock for lockingthe weapon support in the aperture after the weapon support has beensituated in a predetermined position.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparentfrom the following description, the accompanying drawings and theappended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1A is a sectional view taken along line 1A-1A in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are fragmentary views illustrating various features of theadjustable support and jaw clamp used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an exploded fragmentary view illustrating the assembly of theadjustable support and the jaw clamp and a thumbscrew in accordance withthe embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the jaw clamp used in the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-5;

FIG. 7 is a right-side view of the jaw clamp shown in FIGS. 1-5;

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the jaw clamp shown in FIGS. 1-5;

FIG. 9 is a front view of the jaw clamp shown in FIGS. 1-5 showingengaging surfaces;

FIG. 10 is a left-side view of the jaw clamp in the embodiment of FIGS.1-5;

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the jaw clamp in the embodiment of FIGS.1-5;

FIG. 12 is top view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5; and

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the weapon rest.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIGS. 1-13, a weapon rest 10 is shown for supporting aweapon (not shown). In the illustration being described, the weapon rest10 may be used for supporting a gun, such as a pistol, rifle, shotgun orthe like, or a crossbow during cleaning, storage or during shooting. Theweapon rest 10 may be adapted to support a rifle or crossbow during, forexample, maintenance. Features of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,640,944; 5,600,913;5,058,302; 4,467,947; 3,923,152; 3,813,987; D543,604; D519,183;D380,116; D375,538; D314,273; D300,183; D237,611; D234,495 and/orD227,517, all of which are incorporated herein by reference and made apart hereof, may be used in combination with features of the weapon rest10 described herein.

The weapon rest 10 comprises a base 12 having a headstock or firstsupport 14 and a tailstock or second support 16, all of which are moldedfrom a polymer or plastic material. Note that the second support 16comprises a pair of generally cylindrical members 28 and 30 slidablyreceived in the first support 14 to provide an adjustable weapon support18. The second support 16 further comprises a generally U-shaped support20. In the illustration being described, the weapon rest 10, includingthe base 12 and first support 14, is molded from plastic, but thegenerally U-shaped support 20 may comprise an overmolded or inmoldedrubber or other polymer 21 for supporting and retaining the weapon (notshown) in the generally U-shaped support 20.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the first support 14 is molded and comprises twogenerally opposed L-shaped walls 38 and 40 (when viewed incross-section). The first support 14 comprises a middle area 42 defininga surface 42 a that cooperates with a surface 38 a of the L-shaped wall38 and a surface 40 a of the L-shaped wall 40 to provide or define anengaging area that a clamp 46 may move toward and away from the secondsupport 16. In this regard, note that the clamp 46 comprises a pluralityof pre-molded nut seats 51 for receiving at least one or a plurality ofnuts 48. The nuts 48 are threadably received on thumb screws 50 in orderto drive the clamp 46 in the direction of double arrow A (FIG. 1A).

Advantageously, the second support 16 may telescope toward and away fromthe first support 14 when the thumb screws 50 are loosened. Thereafter,the user moves the first support 14 relative to the second support 16 sothat the distance D1 (FIG. 1) between the first support 14 and thesecond support 16 is adjusted to a desired distance. Thereafter, theuser tightens the thumb screws 50 (FIGS. 1A and 13), which cause aclamping force of the clamp 46 against the generally cylindrical members28 and 30 to retain and lock the first support 14 to the second support16. In this regard, it should be understood that the generallycylindrical members 28 and 30 may be slightly larger than a distance D2(FIG. 1A) in order to permit the clamp 46 to apply a compressive forceagainst the generally cylindrical members 28 and 30 to lock the firstsupport 14 to the second support 16.

Note, in FIG. 13, that the weapon rest 10 further comprises a moldedstorage container or compartment 52 having a top portion 54 and a bottomportion 56 that are secured together with a plurality of pre-moldeddetents 54 a, 56 a or alternatively the bottom portion 56 may comprise ain-molded hinge (not shown). In the illustration being described, theintegrally molded first support 14 comprises an outer wall 14 b havingor defining a first generally curved area 14 b 1 for receiving thegenerally cylindrical member 28, a generally flat area 14 b 2 and asecond generally curved area 14 b 3 for receiving the generallycylindrical member 30 that cooperate to define a support for receivingthe bottom portion 56 (FIG. 13). In this regard, note that the storagecontainer or compartment 52 is molded from a polymer or plastic and thebottom portion 56 comprises a generally complementary pre-molded bottom.A screw 51 is received in a threaded aperture 51 a and used to securethe bottom portion 56 to the first support 14. Advantageously, themolded storage container or compartment 52 provides a storage area forreceiving and storing gun and crossbow accessories, such as safetyglasses, ear protection, weights, range tools and the like.

The first support 14 comprises an integrally-molded column or support 58having an integrally molded column 60 comprising an external wall 62 andan internal wall 64. In the illustration being described, the integrallymolded column 60 further comprises an inner wall 66 having an inner wallsurface 66 a that defines a receiving area 68 for receiving at least oneadjustable support 78. In the illustration being described, the at leastone adjustable support 78 comprises a molded first half 72 and a moldedsecond half 74 that are secured together by conventional means such as ascrew 76.

In the illustration being described, the at least one adjustable support78 has a generally U-shaped end 78 a (FIG. 1) that, like the generallyU-shaped support 20 has an in-molded or inserted rubber or polymersupport 80 as shown.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, note that the internal wall 64 of theintegrally-molded column or support 58 comprises a plurality ofintegrally molded flat areas 64 a, 64 b, 64 c and 64 d. A plurality ofribs 82, 84, 86 and 88 are integrally molded with the flat areas 64 a-64d, respectively, and are also integrally molded with the external wall62. The flat areas 64 a-64 d are adapted to define engaging surfaces 64a 1, 64 b 1, 64 c 1 and 64 d 1 that provide an engaging area, platen orbrace against which the at least one adjustable support 78 may be drivenas explained later herein. Note that the ribs 82-88 support the engagingsurfaces 64 a 1, 64 b 1, 64 c 1 and 64 d 1 a predetermined distance D3(FIG. 4) from the integrally molded external wall 62.

The internal wall 62 further comprises a notched-out or U-shaped wall 64e that is integrally molded with the external wall 64 and that defines agenerally U-shaped receiving area or longitudinal channel 90.

In the illustration being described, the notched-out area orlongitudinal channel 90 is adapted to receive a jaw clamp 92 forengaging the at least one adjustable support 78 and for locking the atleast one adjustable support 78 into a predetermined position selectedby the user after the at least one adjustable support 78 has beenadjusted or moved to a desired position. In one embodiment, the jawclamp 92 is made of a polymer material, but it could be made from othersuitable materials, such as other polymer or synthetic materials,metallic materials, such as steel or aluminum, carbon or compositematerials, for example.

The at least one adjustable support 78 comprises the threads 91 thatreceive a mating, threaded hand nut 94 that, when rotated, causes the atleast one adjustable support 78 and its polymer support 80 to be raisedor lowered to a desired position. In this regard, the external wall 62has an end 62 a that comprises an internal wall 96 that defines agenerally U-shaped circular channel 98, as best illustrated in FIGS. 3and 5. The hand nut 94 comprises a mating flange or lip 100 (FIG. 3)that is received in the generally U-shaped circular channel 98 tofacilitate retaining the hand nut 94 and so that its axis is generallycoaxial with the axis defined by the column 60. The hand nut 94comprises an internal U-shaped wall 94 a (FIG. 3) that defines aU-shaped channel that receives the raised portion or wall 102 (FIG. 5)of column 60. A bottom 94 a 1 of the wall 94 a of hand nut 94 rides onand is supported by a top surface 102 a (FIG. 5) of the surface 102 a ofwall 102.

Returning to FIGS. 3-13, the lock or jaw clamp 92 engages the at leastone adjustable support 78 and locks it into a predetermined position inthe first support 14. In the illustration being described, the jaw clamp92 is received in the generally U-shaped or longitudinal channel 90which comprises a channel width W (FIG. 4) that is slightly larger thana width W2 (FIG. 9) of the jaw clamp 92. As best illustrated in theviews in FIGS. 6, 7 and 10, the jaw clamp 92 is slightly U or V-shapedin profile. The jaw clamp 92 has a longitudinal dimension that issubstantially larger than its width W2 so that when the jaw clamp 92 isreceived in the generally U-shaped receiving area or longitudinalchannel 90 its longitudinal axis is generally parallel to the axis ofthe at least one adjustable support 78. The longitudinal channel 90 alsorestricts or prevents the jaw clamp 92 from undesired movement. As bestillustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, that the jaw clamp 92 is adapted totraverse a plurality of the threads 91. The integrally-molded column orsupport 58 comprises a reinforced molded area portion 112 (FIG. 2) thatis substantially thicker than the external wall 62 and that comprises athreaded aperture 114 for receiving a thumbscrew 116 as best illustratedin FIGS. 2 and 3. The jaw clamp 92 comprises an aperture 114 thatdefines a notched-out area 114 a for receiving an end 116 a (FIGS. 5, 6,and 8) of the thumbscrew 116.

After the user adjusts a vertical height V1 (FIG. 1) and position of theU-shaped end 78 a, the user tightens the thumbscrew 116 which forces theend 116 a of the thumbscrew 116 into engagement with the jaw clamp 92 inthe notched-out area 114 a. This, in turn, causes an engaging surface117 (FIG. 6) of the jaw clamp 92 to engage a plurality of the threads91. As the jaw clamp 92 drives the engaging surface 117 into engagementwith the plurality of threads 91, it forces the at least one adjustablesupport 78 leftward (as viewed in FIG. 4) until the portions of thethreads 91 that are opposite the portions of the threads 91 beingengaged engage the surfaces 64 a 1, 64 b 1, 64 c 1 and 64 d 1 asillustrated in FIG. 4, thereby locking the at least one adjustablesupport 78 in a locked and fastened position in the weapon rest 10.While the embodiment is shown engaging the plurality of threads 91, theat least one adjustable support could be provided without threads, suchas in a smooth continuous column (not shown). In that case, the jawclamp 92 engages the column directly.

The jaw clamp 92 may comprise notched internal walls 120, 122 and 124that define notched out areas which facilitate or enable the jaw clampto be generally elastic. It should be understood, however, that the jawclamp 92 could be solid.

Note that the plurality of ribs 82, 84, 86 and 88 are positionedsubstantially radially with respect to the axis of the at least oneadjustable support 78 and are otherwise positioned to strengthen andsupport the internal wall 64 when it is engaged by the threads 91 of theat least one adjustable support 78.

The column 60 may have an integral key 121 (FIG. 4) that is received inthe keyway 123 (FIG. 13) that prevents the at least one adjustablesupport 78 from undesired rotational movement.

Advantageously, the weapon rest 10 provides an improved support forsupporting weapons above a surface. The lock or jaw clamp 92 alsoprovides improved means for providing an improved engaging area fortraversing a plurality of threads 91, which improves the locking of theat least one adjustable support 78 in the predetermined position so thatit does not move after the thumbscrew 116 has been tightened by theuser.

Although not shown, it should be understood that the second support 16could also have an adjustable support similar to the at least oneadjustable support 78 if desired.

While the system, apparatus and method herein described constitutepreferred embodiments of this invention, it is to be understood that theinvention is not limited to this precise system, apparatus and method,and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope ofthe invention which is defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A weapon rest for supporting a weapon,comprising: a base; at least one support slidably or adjustably mountedon the base, said at least one support having a weapon rest forsupporting a weapon above the base; and a jaw clamp for engaging said atleast one support and for locking it into a predetermined position. 2.The weapon rest as recited in claim 1 wherein said jaw clamp iselongated and has a longitudinal axis.
 3. The weapon rest as recited inclaim 2 wherein said at least one support comprises a support axis, saidlongitudinal axis being generally parallel to said support axis.
 4. Theweapon rest as recited in claim 1 wherein said at least one supportcomprises threaded cylindrical wall and a hand nut for raising andlowering said at least one support, said jaw clamp engaging a pluralityof threads of said threaded cylindrical wall said that when said jawclamp is tightened, a clamping force is applied to said plurality ofthreads.
 5. The weapon rest as recited in claim 1 wherein said base hasa vertical support column extending from said base, said verticalsupport column having a support wall, at least a portion of said supportwall providing a platen or bearing surface against which said jaw clampmay drive said at least one support in order to lock said at least onesupport in said vertical support column in response to a clamping forceby said jaw clamp.
 6. The weapon rest as recited in claim 5 wherein saidvertical support column comprises an inner wall, an outer wall and aplurality of ribs integrally formed between said inner wall and saidouter wall.
 7. The weapon rest as recited in claim 6 wherein saidplurality of ribs are integrally formed along lines that are generallyradial with respect to an axis of at least one support.
 8. The weaponrest as recited in claim 7 wherein said plurality of ribs are integrallyformed in said inner wall so that an engaging area of said inner wallthat engages said at least one support becomes situated or arrangedgenerally opposite an area of said at least one support wherein said jawclamp engages a plurality of threads.
 9. The weapon rest as recited inclaim 8 wherein said vertical support column comprises a threadedaperture, said jaw clamp further comprising a screw for screwing intosaid threaded aperture and for driving said jaw clamp into saidplurality of threads.
 10. The weapon rest as recited in claim 9 whereinsaid threaded aperture is situated generally opposite said plurality ofribs so that when said screw is tightened, said jaw clamp forces said atleast one support against said inner wall.
 11. The weapon rest asrecited in claim 10 wherein said jaw clamp is generally V-shaped.
 12. Agun support comprising: a base having an internal wall for defining anaperture; a gun support slidably received in said aperture; and a lockfor locking said gun support in said aperture after said gun support hasbeen situated in a predetermined position.
 13. The gun support asrecited in claim 12 wherein said lock comprises a clamp.
 14. The gunsupport as recited in claim 13 wherein said gun support comprises agenerally elongated support member having a gun rest at an end thereof;said generally elongated support member being slidably received in saidgun support and said clamp being generally elongated and having anelongated clamping surface that engages said generally elongated supportmember.
 15. The gun support as recited in claim 14 wherein saidgenerally elongated support member being generally cylindrical andhaving a support axis; said elongated clamping surface having anelongated axis that is generally parallel to said support axis.
 16. Thegun support as recited in claim 12 wherein said base comprises a storagecompartment and at least one lid or cover.
 17. The gun support asrecited in claim 12 wherein said base comprises at least one secondsupport.
 18. The gun support as recited in claim 17 wherein said atleast one second support is integral and monolithically formed with saidbase.
 19. The gun support as recited in claim 12 wherein said basecomprises an external wall surrounding at least a portion of saidinternal wall, said gun support further comprising a plurality of ribsintegrally formed between said external wall and said internal wall. 20.The gun support as recited in claim 19 wherein said plurality of ribsare integrally formed along lines that are generally radial with respectto an axis of at least one support.
 21. The gun support as recited inclaim 20 wherein said plurality of ribs are integrally formed in a ribarea of a first side of said internal wall, a second side of saidinternal wall having a platen, bearing surface or engaging areagenerally opposite said rib area, said lock being situated in a lockingarea of said external wall and generally opposite said platen, bearingsurface or engaging area so that when said gun support is receivedbetween said lock and said engaging area, said lock can be tightened toforce said gun support into engagement with said engaging area, therebylocking said gun support at a predetermined height in said base.
 22. Thegun support as recited in claim 21 wherein lock is a jaw clamp.
 23. Thegun support as recited in claim 22 wherein said jaw clamp is elongatedand has a longitudinal axis.
 24. The gun support as recited in claim 23wherein said gun support comprises a support axis, said longitudinalaxis being generally parallel to said support axis.
 25. The gun supportas recited in claim 22 wherein said gun support comprises a threadedcylindrical wall and a hand nut for raising and lowering said gunsupport, said jaw clamp engaging a plurality of threads of said threadedcylindrical wall said that when said jaw clamp is tightened, a clampingforce is applied to said plurality of threads.
 26. The gun support asrecited in claim 22 wherein said external wall comprises a threadedaperture at said locking area, said jaw clamp further comprising a screwand a clamp for screwing into said threaded aperture and for drivingsaid gun support into engagement with said engaging area, therebylocking said gun support at a predetermined height in said base.
 27. Thegun support as recited in claim 26 wherein said clamp is generallyV-shaped in cross section.